A Family Day Out To The London Transport Museum

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Located in London’s bustling Convent Garden and housed in the famous Flower Market Building, the London Transport Museum is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the history of our capital city and its transportation dating back to the early 1900s.

The London Transport Museum

Having frequented Covent Garden over the years, I’ve always passed this unassuming museum in the corner of the Piazza. It’s only since having Monkey – who is obsessed with trains, cars, buses and vehicles of any description – did I think it would be worth a visit. And what better way to celebrate his birthday than to let him drive a real London bus and a tube train simulator!

Children under 17 get in for free, while adults pay £16 and get an annual membership pass which allows them to come an unlimited number of times throughout the year.

What to see at The London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum is split into several galleries – beginning with 19th century London on the first floor. Monkey went straight up to all the interactive displays and, as we were given a free stamper trail, we could follow the story told throughout. A great way for the kids to get involved.

It was fascinating looking at all the horse-drawn cabs and horse buses. The capital’s first licensed public transport was the sedan chair, an example of which is on show, but the beautiful horse-drawn omnibus, from 1805, and its painted, flower-bordered designs is what caught our attention.

Monkey’s eyes lit up when we came to the steam underground trains – the first one ever built. We were able to board the different carriages and get up close to the exteriors.

Meanwhile, I enjoyed looking at the posters of the era which are on view throughout the museum from famous artists such as Abram Games, Graham Sutherland and Ivon Hitchens.

It is astonishing to think of Londoners moving out to the ‘suburbs’ back in 1915 and the development of the Metropolitan Railway. We took a seat in a wooden Metropolitan coach – and it was surprisingly comfortable.

Heading downstairs, though, is where most of the action – as far as children are concerned – is. For Monkey, it was the huge range of vehicles from the first electric tram in 1901, the trolly buses of the 1930s and the more modern Route Masters which we see on London’s roads today, that got him giddy with excitement.

Design Exhibit

For us, it was the Design Exhibit that captivated. Frank Pick changed the face of London’s public transport through progressive design. He saw this as essential to being ‘fit for purpose’. The Underground’s design legacy includes London iconic bar and circle logo. My favourite part was learning more about Harry Beck’s original tube map – and seeing how it developed over the century to what we use today.

The highlight for Monkey was being able to sit in the cabin of the bus and pretend to drive it. But that wasn’t all for him. The museum also has a Northern Line simulator whereby children (and grown-ups!) can guide the train through the tunnels. On both occasions, it was difficult getting him to give up his turn as a queue steadily began to form…

London Transport Museum’s Family Playzone

But that’s not all. The London Transport Museum also has a family playzone which is open to children up the ages of 7, with a separate section dedicated to younger visitors that is filled with an interactive wall and building blocks. For Monkey though, he loved driving the black cab and repairing the Thames Nipper. He also joined in with other children in the ‘lost property’ area. There’s a whole host of mini-fleet vehicles which are available for children to drive and board, as well as dress up uniforms. For the parents – plenty of comfy seating to watch the children play.

Not only did we have an entertaining afternoon learning about the history of London’s transportation system but this interactive museum is a huge amount of fun for vehicle enthusiasts of all ages.

Monkey was in vehicle heaven – the museum has made it enjoyable for little ones of all ages from the playzones and displays, to the opportunities to go onboard several different modes of transport.

The museum wasn’t busy, either, and we visited on a weekend. We didn’t have to queue and had plenty of time and space to peruse each exhibit. And, with step-free access throughout, buggy parking, a café and changing facilities, families are made to feel very welcome. The museum store also provides a great selection of toys and transport memorabilia. We couldn’t leave without buying Monkey a keepsake – and not surprisingly he opted for a London bus!

I always think this is a gem of a place, which all kids seem to like – and it’s pretty interesting for adults too. Lots of interactive stuff, and we loved it when we went and there were some actors in the carriages who asked us questions about our journey too! Actually, I’d quite like to go back, now I think about it. We haven’t been for a couple of years….

Kids and transport are a match made in heaven: my children would love this! When my son was tiny, a driver got my son to pretend drive the bus and he still talks about this – this would be the highlight of a trip to London for him

This was our absolute favorite stop with the boys when we were in London this summer. I’m so glad your family enjoyed it. It seems like it was busier during our visit but we still managed to have a great time. The kids got lots of play time on all the vehicles.

Kids just love all methods of transportation don’t they?! Looks fab, and it’s a great idea for a day out. We’ve been to the tram museum here in Lisbon which is really cool too, and of course, Charlie loved!

I think places like this are fabulous to learn more about a city. Here in Los Angeles we have a museum on the base floor of the Water Department. It is full of very interesting displays and you learn a lot about how the city grew up.

I have wandered past this many times too but never actually ventured in! My daughter would love it! Actually, I would – the Northern Line simulator sounds brill and I’d love to learn more about the history of London’s transport network. #mondayescapes

Love the pics, your little monkey looks like he’s had a great time. I have read a few reviews of the attraction and would love to go, my bov adventurers would love it. Added it to the list for a visit to London for 2016!

Looks great, we too walked past it so many times and never went in! Knowing under 17’s are free though and adults get an annual pass, definitely an attractive option for anyone with transportation freaks like I do near London!!

Ah, I really should take the kids back here. The last time we went they were 1 and 3 – they enjoyed it, but I’m sure they’d get even more out of it now. Still, I do remember my son being as transfixed by the Northern Line simulation as Monkey was! Thanks for joining in with #CulturedKids x